Greek Architecture

     Architecture in Greece did not come around until around the 7th century BC, after its Dark Ages, when architecture was wood or mud houses. "Most of our knowledge of Greek architecture comes from the few surviving buildings of the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods (since Roman architecture heavily copied Greek)." Greek architecture influenced Roman architecture, which then influenced American and other cultures universally. Without their unique additions of the columns, we would might still be living without them; the Greeks were brilliant.

      Greeks thought very highly of religion, so when they began architecting, "it is not surprising that the temples of ancient Greece were the biggest and most beautiful." (Ancient) In fact, one of the most famous Greek structures is the Parthenon, a temple (seen above). Constructing the Parthenon took only nine years to build, beginning in 447 BC and finishing by 438 BC, although decorating took another five years or so. (Parthenon) It was built by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates, by the order of Pericles, a politician of that time. It was actually a replacement after a former temple was destroyed by Persians, but it was also built to hold a statue of Athena. After all, it was her temple. The Parthenon is made of white marble and consists of 86 both Doric and Ionic columns, in a mainly Doric order. This gave the Parthenon a great balance of a strict yet delicate appearance.

     Ionic columns "communicate strength and dignity." (Columns) They are more complex than Doric columns, with intricate bases and slender shafts, creating a more elegant feel. Older, more common Doric columns are plainer with strict orders, dimensions, and numbers of flutes. They are more clean and pure in a way; no nonsense. The last type of the Greek columns, which wasn't used in the Parthenon, was the Corinthian column. It is similar to the Ionic, but is much more leafy. Its structure is intricately carved with foliage flowing upward to enhance its height. It has a bell-shaped capital, or top. Corinthian columns are much more fancy, and although more scarcely used in Greek times, they are used today in Washington D.C. and in many homes around the States. (Columns) 

     "The Doric order was being developed in the seventh century BC and perfected in the fifth century during the construction of the Parthenon of Athens." (Columns) Around 500 BC Ionic pillars came along, and then by 400 BC, the Corinthian columns. An example of Ionic order is the Temple of Athena Nike below left, and the Temple of Zeus at Athens below right is of the Corinthian order.

     Architecture was very important to history. The Greeks built temples to gods that were central to their daily life, and in doing so, the created the column, which we still use very much today. They created three types of columns: Doric, Ionian, and Corinthian, getting more complicated and intricate as they progressed. The Romans took these, created more, and improved on them. Today Greek influence can be seen everywhere: from the original columns at the Parthenon to copied versions in Washington DC.